1. Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future

2. Introduction Nuclear power plants are major projects that produce the electricity we all rely on, but few of us consider how and where it is produced, even though you are part of a generation that uses more electricity than your parents and grandparents. Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future

3. Objectives To know that the location of nuclear power stations is affected by many factors To compare and contrast four potential sites for a nuclear power station To evaluate and justify the choice of an optimum site Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future

4. Starter What do we need to think about before building a new nuclear power station? Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future Click to play

5. Activity 1 – Decision-making task Four sites have been identified as the possible location for a new nuclear power station. Before a site can be chosen it has to be evaluated using a variety of criteria including: Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future Proximity to major water source (cooling) Flat site with good rock foundations (stability for reactor) Availability of some construction materials locally (reducing transportation costs)…

6. Not too distant from consumers (transmission costs) Remoteness from major urban centres (safety) Accessibility for construction traffic (road and rail) Proximity to local skilled labour force (<25,000 workers needed over project lifespan) Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future Using the map and site information sheets provided work in pairs to make a decision as to which site is the most suitable.

7. Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future

8. Transport & transmission costs When you have decided on your optimum site, try to calculate the possible transport and transmission costs. Lesson 3: Constructing a powerful future

10. Debate Listen to the arguments presented for and against each site, making a note of any questions you want to ask. Allocate scores (+ve and -ve) for each site according to the points awarded for key criteria and the quality of arguments heard during the debate. Which site is the optimum site for the new power station?